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ADHD Medications - Stimulant Or Non Stimulant?

For many people, stimulant medications are the first choice to treat ADHD. Certain people experience side effects or they don't perform as well.


Doctors often prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in lieu of or in combination with stimulants. These medicines include ones that treat high blood pressure, like the clonidine drug and guanfacine HCL (Tenex). These are among the other medications that help to increase wakefulness.

Benefits

Stimulants are the first medication doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They work by boosting communication between nerves within the brain. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters, also known as chemical messengers like dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decrease excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. They come in a variety of forms, but the majority fall into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Due to their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances. They are strictly controlled in terms of dosage, distribution and use.

Doctors may also prescribe a combination of stimulant and nonstimulant medications. They may do this because a stimulant isn't functioning properly, because of side effects that are too extreme, or because the person suffers from a mental health issue which needs to be treated. Adults and children often receive combination treatments.

Viloxazine and Guanfacine as well as Atomoxetine are medications that are not stimulants. They are generally well-tolerated and don't pose the same danger of addiction or abuse as stimulants do. They might take longer to work and last longer than stimulants, but they can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.

Most people who take nonstimulant ADHD medication report mild to moderate side effects, including stomach upset, headaches, dry mouth, and a general feeling of sleepiness. Some people may be more difficult to stay awake when taking these medications, but this tends to be less of a problem for children than for adults.

If you can try this out considering medications to help manage your or your child's ADHD discuss with your doctor about it. They'll discuss the various medications with regards to their benefits and potential risks and how to start. They'll also help you choose a medication and dose that is most suitable for you.

It might take a few tries to land on the right dosage and medication. The aim is to manage ADHD symptoms with as little side effects as possible. Once you've found a suitable medication, it is best to stick with it. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will come back. Most people with ADHD have to take these medications for life.

Dosage

Stimulant medications like Adderall (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which boosts communication between nerves. This increases concentration and focus and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. It's the first medication doctors often prescribe for ADHD. But, it's not a good fit for everyone and can have undesirable side effects.

Non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv(guanfacine), can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They can help reduce symptoms directly on the prefrontal cortex of the brain and creating an effect of calming. They are frequently employed as an alternative treatment for stimulant medications or when you don't react well to stimulants.

Both atomoxetine (also called Guanfacine) and guanfacine belong to the alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists category of drugs. This means that they work by blocking receptors which transmit dopamine from one cell to the next. This permits other chemicals in the brain, for instance norepinephrine, to reach the brain and cause a calming effect, which increases attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity.

The methylphenidate, amphetamine and various other classes of ADHD drugs are effective in decreasing or eliminating symptoms of ADHD. However they are also susceptible to being misused and addictive, leading to overdose. They're classified as controlled substances, and have "boxed warnings" that alert patients to the risks. They are also vulnerable to shortages.

Short-acting stimulants start to work within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last for 3-4 hours. They can be taken as often as three times a day. Intermediate and long-acting stimulants take longer to work, but can provide symptom relief for 8-16 hours. These stimulants can be used every day when you find it difficult to remember to take your medication each day at the same time.

Some suffer from the rebound effect, as their medication wears off, meaning their symptoms return to their previous levels. This can result in short-lasting fatigue, mood swings and intense hunger. This can be avoided by altering the dosage, time it is taken or the type of medication. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing this issue.

Side effects

Stimulant ADHD medication increases dopamine levels in brain cells, which improves concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior. They can also improve memory and reduce aggression. Medications used for this purpose include Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These drugs are typically given orally in capsules, however certain children can take them as drops or chewable tablets. These stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. In some instances, the adverse effects are not severe and disappear once the drug wears off. In other cases, they can be serious and require medical attention.

Non-stimulant medication helps manage ADHD symptoms by targeting neurotransmitters inside the brain. They also have an lower risk of addiction or dependence than stimulants. Common adverse effects of these drugs include drowsiness and loss of appetite, and dizziness. To reduce the risk of drowsiness, take the medication earlier in the day, eat before the medication starts to work, and avoid caffeinated drinks.

Many people discover that they are more responsive to the long-acting or extended release versions of these medications. This is because these formulations will build up slowly in the body, reducing the risk of the drug being worn off too quickly, the symptoms returning more severe than before. They also help make it easier to take the medication regularly particularly when your child or you has trouble keeping track of multiple pill bottles.

The majority of children and adults who take medications for ADHD will experience at least some side effects. These side effects can easily be controlled by monitoring the reactions of your child or yourself, and adjusting the dosage and following the prescribed dosage. Talk to an expert in mental health care when you or your child suffer unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

It can take a while to find the right medication for someone suffering from ADHD. In addition, it's not uncommon for a doctor to switch you or your child between the two categories of medications--stimulant and non-stimulant--because one isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects.

Monitoring

The most important thing to keep in mind about ADHD medication is that it can help manage your symptoms but it's not an effective cure. Your doctor can alter dosage to manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Medication is typically just one element of the treatment plan for ADHD in addition to therapy as well as support from family and teachers.

The most common ADHD medication is stimulant. They work by increasing brain chemicals that increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some of the side effects include loss of appetite and sleeplessness stomachaches and headaches, jitteriness, and an increase in heart rate.

It can take a while to find the right medication and dose for your or your child's needs. It could take a few weeks or months for the benefits of a medication to be evident. During this time it is vital to follow the instructions of your doctor closely and report any side effects.

While stimulants are fast-acting and can be beneficial but they also come with a greater risk of dependence and abuse. This is why many people are hesitant to take them, particularly young children and adolescents. Non-stimulant medications are just as effective and are a better choice for people who are unable to tolerate the adverse effects of stimulants.

Non-stimulant drugs include atomoxetine dextroamphetamine and guanfacine. A number of these medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat various conditions, but are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD.

Recent research has shown that long-term ADHD medication usage is associated with an increase in CVD risk. The risk was higher as the dose of medication was increased and was higher for boys and girls. Researchers recommend that patients be monitored closely and have regular health screenings. This is particularly true for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly true if there is a family history or early cardiovascular disease.

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